Aftermath

The name of the game now is conservation. The base is still running on very limited electricity. That means anything that is not "mission essential" is pretty much closed. Lots of stuff is still running off of generators (including the hospital). Stoplights on base were just restored yesterday. School has been closed this week, and when it opens next week they aren't going to run electricity to the kitchen, so the kids will be eating sandwiches. I have the thermostats set at 64. All of my appliances are unplugged when I'm not using them. I'm being especially good about turning lights off in rooms I'm not in (Mom would be so proud:)). I'm only showering every other day... okay... part of that is laziness, but I'm happy to be able to justify it:).

Fuel is also being used very carefully. Right now, only vehicles with a quarter tank or less are able to use the gas station on base. Up until yesterday the lines to get gas on base were averaging about 2 hours long. The situation is much better now, but everyone is still being really careful to use as little as possible.

Phone lines and cell phone coverage were a little spotty at first, but it seems to be better now. Up until yesterday the active duty pharmacist (the only other pharmacist on base) was sleeping at the hospital, because there had to be a pharmacist on call, and she was unreachable on her cell phone. Because there are only two of us currently in Misawa, they've authorized me to work overtime (an extreme rarity) so I'll be working this weekend.

We are completely safe here, and I think we all realize (or should realize) how fortunate we are to have electricity, food and gasoline available. But it has been stressful for a lot of people, and I think that's why they are offering a volunteer departure plan.

I'm planning on staying, and I'm happy to do so. First of all, I don't want to have to worry about trying to transport my dog, and I don't want to leave him behind for somebody else to take care of. Second of all, I like it here, and I don't feel that I'm in any danger that would make me want to go. Third, and maybe most importantly, I am very much needed at work right now. I am thankful to even have a job, and I'm especially grateful that I can help out right now when the pharmacy staff is stretched thin.